Starton Therapeutics doses first patient in Phase 2a trial of STAR-LLD for multiple myeloma
By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : February 25, 2026 2:33 pm
The Phase 2 trial, conducted through Starton’s Sargon Site Network, is expanding from two to six sites across the U.S.
Starton Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech innovating cancer therapy delivery, announced that it has dosed the first patient in its Phase 2a study of STAR-LLD, a next-generation lenalidomide formulation for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).
“STAR-LLD is designed to improve tolerability while maintaining meaningful minimum effective dose delivery of lenalidomide, which we believe will mitigate the toxic effects of the therapy compared to oral lenalidomide,” said Jamie Oliver, Chief Medical Officer at Starton Therapeutics.
"Building on encouraging early clinical experience through our Phase 1b trial, we look forward to advancing STAR-LLD in the next stage of development and to further establish its potential in enabling more patients to remain on therapy longer to experience the full potential benefit of treatment.”
Pedro Lichtinger, Chairman and CEO of Starton, called the dosing a “major milestone” in the company’s mission to redefine multiple myeloma care.
"We expect to deliver clinical results that demonstrate improved tolerability and efficacy over current oral dosing, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes. This protocol expansion marks an important milestone for the study and underscores the Company’s growing momentum in forging collaborations with some of the leading clinical research centers nationwide.”
The Phase 2 trial, conducted through Starton’s Sargon Site Network, is expanding from two to six sites across the U.S., giving broader patient access.
Dr Gabrail, lead investigator, noted, “We are excited to expand the use of STAR-LLD in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. Our experience with the Phase 1b study demonstrated positive responses and no meaningful hematologic toxicity, which had a notable impact on the patients’ experience.”
The study is a randomized dose-escalation trial testing three doses of STAR-LLD delivered via continuous subcutaneous infusion, combined with dexamethasone and a proteasome inhibitor, against standard oral lenalidomide with the same regimen.